2 BE OR NOT 2 BE; Clubs face fight for SPL revamp.

Byline: By Gary Ralston

THE SPL were last night finally given the green light to try to create a second division after almost three years of legal debate.

Scotland's top flight will now convene an extraordinary meeting of their 12 clubs next month to ask if there's an appetite for another change to Scottish football's structure.

The Scottish Football League had contested the SPL's bid to introduce a top-flight set-up of 22 clubs playing in two divisions, claiming it breached a previous agreement between the organisations.

An independent committee, established by the SFA and chaired by Lord Brodie, has found that plans for SPL 2 did not breach the SFL and SPL's settlement agreement.

But the formation of SPL 2 is some way off, if it ever happens.

It is unlikely to be in place for the start of next season, for example, not least because the SFA would not welcome a change in the competition goalposts mid-season.

The SFL also have sponsor commitments with firms such as Irn-Bru until the end of next season. The financial climate has also changed since the concept of SPL 2 was last seriously mooted in 2006.

SPL clubs may be reluctant to sanction the costs of a new set-up and unwilling to spread the wealth from their lucrative new TV deal, which kicks in next year, when their own cupboards are bare.

They are also paying around pounds 1.7million a year in perpetuity to the SFL for being given permission to quit to form their new league ahead of their two-year notice period.

Canny clubs in the lower half of the SPL will also be aware that a 22-club set-up could see a return to a 10-team SPL and a 12-team SPL 2 as the current top-flight split is notoriously unpopular.

Clubs such as Inverness Caley Thistle, St Mirren, Hamilton or Falkirk could drop to the league below and see their revenues suffer.

Many SFL clubs may also be reluctant to move for change as they have worked hard under chief executive David Longmuir to attract new sponsors.

In addition to Irn-Bru, BBC Alba will pilot live First Division football on Sunday when Airdrie take on Clyde.

Four other matches will be shown before the end of the season with a view to a longer term deal - and clubs whose games are broadcast share 85 per cent of the TV revenue.

The SFL are relieved that the arbitration process is over, if not with its verdict.

SFL president Brown McMaster said: "We are pleased to have closure on this arbitration process.

"The way is now clear for us to review this outcome with our clubs, after which we'll have discussions with our colleagues in the SPL."

SPL executive chairman Lex Gold said: "We welcome this outcome. It has taken quite some time to arrive at this conclusion.

"But the way is now clear for us to review this outcome with our clubs, after which we will have discussions with our colleagues in the SFL.

"Our aim through all of this has been to enhance and strengthen the senior professional game in Scotland."

The SFL would ultimately be powerless to prevent a club accepting an invitation to become part of an SPL 2 but they insist teams are required to give two years' notice before quitting their organisation.

Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston believes money will be the deciding factor.

He said: "If any of the First Division clubs can enhance their income then they're going to look at that. I think it's a good decision going forward."